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Quality Of Mark Hughes Transfers

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Musings from Wswilly3

It says much for our almost total transformation under Mark Hughes in that he has bought a complete new team of players, and if this team were to start a match for City do you know what it would be a very competitive team in it’s own right.

According to my reckoning and making the fairly obvious assumption that the Robinho and Jo transfers were set in train without him being the initiator, he has signed fifteen players, of which one Berti was clearly just a stop gap for defensive injuries.

What I have to say is impressive is that only one of the signings has clearly flopped to date and that is Tal Ben Haim. All the others look to be solid Premiership players who have undoubtedly strengthened the squad.

This is perhaps in mark contrast to Sven Ericsson who bought a few stummers (new word), although admittedly he had to buy them quickly but Fernandes, Caceido, Bianchi, and Garrido have not lasted the pace. The jury could be convinced either way on Bojinov and Elano due to injury and circumstance but they too do not look like making an extended impact.

Arguably only Petrov and perhaps Corluka (sold before our Arab riches) were genuinely Premiership level signings. Not a good average for Sven and they were not particularly cheap either, given their unproven pedigree.

In marked contrast Mark Hughes signings that were bought last year look to have settled well and are all ready to play a part in the first team or in the squad. So let`s look at the team he has bought in 4 – 4 – 2 formation.

GIVEN
ZABALETA TOURE KOMPANY BRIDGE
WRIGHT-PHILLIPS DE JONG TEVEZ BARRY
SANTA CRUZ ADEBAYOR
Subs : TAYLOR BELLAMY BEN HAIM

So I repeat that with the exception of Tel Ben Haim, Mark Hughes has done very well in the transfer market – talent that would get in the squads of virtually all teams. Yes, he has had the money but one can still buy stummers with tons of money and we have had much evidence of this as a Football Club through the years.

So my conclusion is well done Mark Hughes on your transfer choices and I remain quietly confident of a good season, not perhaps quite as giddy as Mourinho and O`Neill are predicting but still top 4 level due to the purchases that have been made.

For remember these are in addition to Robinho, Ireland, Johnson, Onuoha, Dunne, Richards and Petrov.

Let The Good Times Roll and stay positive.



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